What happened
On November 16, 2025, at approximately 13:45 local time, a Eurocopter AS 350 B3 helicopter was conducting a repositioning flight between Aeródromo Andrés Sabella (SCFA) in Antofaglagsta and Aeródromo Desierto de Atacama (SCDA) in Caldera. While flying approximately 7 nautical miles north of the destination aerodrome, the aircraft began experiencing intense vertical vibrations.
In response to the severity of the oscillations, the pilot declared an emergency and executed an immediate landing on unprepared ground. The two occupants of the aircraft, a commercial helicopter pilot and a private pilot, sustained no injuries during the event.
The investigation
The DGAC Chile investigation examined the physical condition of the aircraft and the flight circumstances. The inspection of the Eurocopter AS 350 B3 revealed structural damage resulting from the landing on the uneven surface. Specifically, the front portions of both skids were deformed, and the canopy assembly exhibited various fractures and structural deformations. Additionally, the lower mirror support system was deformed, and the lower cable cutter became detached from its base.
Investigators reviewed the flight experience of the crew, noting the pilot in command held a commercial license with over 2,100 total flight hours, while the co-pilot held a private license with over 1,000 total flight hours. The aircraft, a 2002 model with 4,333.6 service hours, had undergone its last inspection on November 3, 2025.
Findings
- The primary cause of the emergency landing was the onset of significant vertical vibrations during the cruise phase of the flight.
- The landing was performed on unprepared terrain, which led to structural damage to the landing skids and the canopy assembly.